We are talking about tens of billions of dollars: Zelenskyy announces creation of financial "Ramstein"

Zelenskyy stated this in an evening video message.

"I just took part in the work of the second ministerial meeting of the donor countries, the IMF and the World Bank, which help our country maintain financial stability. The key issue is covering the deficit of our budget and the rapid reconstruction of critical infrastructure, housing and social facilities that have been destroyed or damaged by the blows of the occupiers. These are significant sums - tens of billions of dollars for the budget and Fast Recovery. But the potential of democratic countries is much greater than the existing needs. We are creating a financial "Ramstein" - a systemic tool for the constant support of our struggle for freedom," the statement reads   

During the address to the participants of the meeting of the round table of ministers under the joint leadership of the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank Group and the IMF, Volodymyr Zelenskyy named the amounts that Ukraine needs.

"Now we have two key state financial needs. This is $38 billion to cover the state budget deficit next year. These are the salaries of teachers, doctors, social benefits, and pensions. This is a guarantee of the life of the Ukrainian people. Another $17 billion has been verified by the World Bank and is needed for the reconstruction of critical infrastructure within the RDNA. These are schools, hospitals, transport and energy infrastructure, as well as damaged housing. In fact, all that has become a primary target for Russia," the president said.

Ukraine also needs targeted loans in the amount of $2 billion to rebuild the electricity infrastructure after the destruction and to expand exports to Europe, and $5 billion credit limits for the purchase of gas and coal until the next heating season.